It’s up to you…

I am about to leave university and have received employment offers from management consulting firms in both London and New York. I have to say that I like the idea of living in either one of these global cities – the question is which one should I plump for?
R. A., Cambridge, UK

Dear R.A.,

Congratulations on asking the right question. Too many people relocate based on a nice job offer – or love affair – without considering the significance of the geographical decision. The economist and urbanophile, Richard Florida, argues that your choice of city is the most important decision you can make, because it determines job options, the quality of your everyday life, your love life and much else.

That said, you seem to have made this decision already. Cities such as Seattle, Berlin, Dar es Salaam, Hong Kong and Moscow each offer something unique, but it is hard to see much difference between New York and London. In fact, London has more in common with New York than any British city.

If you must restrict your choice, you are at least taking advantage of the trend for the big global cities to become ever more dominant. Perhaps you should consider New York: you have a network of friends in the UK; New York would diversify your life experiences and expand your networks. And apparently, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.